A YOUTH theatre is performing its own version of the hit musical Guys and Dolls, casting 34 youngsters.
ENCORE Youth Theatre will return to the stage at Winchester’s Theatre Royal from February 15-17, during half term.
While tickets are on sale, the company has launched ‘Friends of Encore’ to raise funds to ensure it can continue to present high-quality musicals in the future.
ENCORE, whose patron is Hollywood star and former Barton Peveril student Colin Firth, aims to raise upwards of £2,000 with the scheme. Friends can donate in one-off, monthly or annual payments.
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Artistic director Noël Jones said: “We are incredibly grateful to our existing ‘friends’ who support us - businesses and individuals, including former and existing members and their families in Hampshire. But now we need to find more ‘friends’.
“It’s our fundamental belief that every young person can shine given the right opportunity. By joining the scheme, people will help us to remove financial barriers that might otherwise prevent them from being involved with our wonderful company.
“Our fantastic artistic team and production team are volunteers but the set, costumes, lighting, rehearsal space, orchestra and many other things cost money.”
ENCORE was formed by Noël's father Ben Wright in 1981 for local young people who shared a love of theatre. Since then, more than 1,750 of them have trod the boards.
Many have gone on to professional careers as singers, dancers, stage managers, actors and musicians. Three of the band members accompanying the production are former cast members, as well as the stage management team, choreographer and musical director.
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ENCORE last performed Guys and Dolls in 2013. Choreographer Ellie Hanson, now 27, was a Hot Box dancer in the show before studying at the Urdang Academy in London.
She said: “Noël has given it a fresh perspective. The talent of the ENCORE kids has grown and grown over the years. Noel's brilliant mind has been an asset to both productions, but they just have a very different feel. It’s a feel-good musical and a lot of fun.”
The musical includes classic songs such as Luck Be A Lady and Sit Down You’re Rocking The Boat. Tickets are on sale at the Theatre Royal now with evening performances on Thursday 15, Friday 16 and Saturday, February 17 as well as a matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday. Prices start from £10.
The community interest company, in Winchester, has around 40 to 50 members aged 11 to 19. To become a friend of ENCORE go to donorbox.org/friends-of-encore.
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